The piano had just been delivered and Mark had directed the men where to set it up. Mark looked it over. It was a beautiful instrument. He couldn't wait to hear Lexi play something. The phone rang and Mark picked it up.

"Hello." Mark said.

"Hi Mark its David." David said.

"Did you find him?" Mark asked.

"No, this guy has just disappeared off the face of the earth, no sign of him. He sold the house for cash so no way to trace him there. Hell he could have got a fake ID and took off anywhere. He's got some major gambling debts; you're not the only one looking for him. I'll stay on it and if I come up with anything, I'll call you." David said.

"Okay." Mark said and hung up.

Mark didn't like the thought of Jamison out there lurking around. He would have to impress on Lexi to be extra careful. The man was dangerous.

Lexi came in the house and set her purchases down. She was going to have to figure out where she was going to set up her painting supplies at. Maybe Mark would let her use one of the spare bed rooms. She headed to the kitchen to get something to drink. She stopped short. Mark was standing at the counter making a salad.

"What are you doing Mark?" Lexi asked frowning.

Mark turned around.

"I'm making dinner." Mark said.

"Why, I'll do that." Lexi said going over and taking the knife out of his hand.

Mark sighed and put his hand on his hips.

"Lexi sit down now." Mark ordered.

Lexi looked up at him; she laid the knife on the counter and sat down at the table. Mark sat down beside her.

"Lexi, I realize I came off little harsh the day we were married. I told ya what I expected of you and what I wanted in a wife. What I said was true, but I may have come off as an inflexible prick and I really didn't mean too. I am perfectly capable of fixing dinner sometimes; you're not expected to be chained to the stove. I want ya to be happy Lexi and have your own life. I can have what I want and you can have what you want, like I told ya before you're not a slave, you're my wife. I realize I can be overbearing but I do want ya to be happy." Mark said.

"I am happy Mark." Lexi said smiling at him.

"Good now let me finish this salad and get the steaks off the grill. After dinner I got a surprise for you." Mark said standing up.

"What?" Lexi asked excitement lighting her eyes.

"I'm not telling ya. Now go find something to do, while I finish up." Mark said.

"Okay." Lexi said smiling. She walked out of the kitchen grinning.

Mark was just getting the steaks off the grill when he heard the most beautiful sound coming from the den. He set the steaks down and went to the den. Lexi was sitting at the piano. It was like she was a part of it. He fingers flowed over the keys and her eyes were closed. The music seemed to come from deep inside her. Mark stood and listened to the haunting tune, it was so beautiful. She stopped and opened her eyes and seen Mark standing there.

"I'm sorry was I playing to loud." Lexi asked.

"No it was beautiful, what was it?" Mark asked.

"Chopin, Nocturne in B, Op. 32, No. 1." Lexi answered.

"How did you learn to play?" Mark asked.

"My mother taught me when I was little, after she died, my father continued my lessons." Lexi said.

Mark came and sat beside her.

"Will you play some more for me tonight?" Mark asked.

Lexi flushed with pleasure.

"Sure if you want me to." Lexi said.

"I would like that." Mark said.

"Come on dinners ready." Mark said.

Lexi got up and followed him into the kitchen.

They sat down and Mark urged her to eat, which she did surprising both of them with her appetite. They got done and Mark got up.

"Come on I guess I'll show you your surprise now." Mark said.

Lexi jumped up and took Mark's offered hand and followed him out the back door. Beau jumped all over them as soon as they were out the door. Lexi and Mark played with him a few minutes and then Mark took her hand again and they walked out towards the woods to the left of the house with Beau following. They came up on what looked like a small cabin after about 100 yards. Lexi hadn't noticed it before. Mark opened the door. Lexi stepped in. It was actually one big room; it had three big bay windows that let light in that filled the room. The room had easels and paints and sketchpads, tables set up to put her supplies on. Lexi was so touched she couldn't speak.

"This cabin was on the property when I bought it. I know you like to paint, so I thought it would be the perfect place for you to work. I cleaned it up this morning and ordered this stuff for ya, I hope I got the right stuff." Mark said.

Lexi turned and jumped into his arms and kissed him deeply. She pulled back and looked at him.

"Mark this is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you." Lexi said.

"It's not a big deal." Mark said trying to set Lexi back down.

But Lexi hung on to his neck. She reached with one hand and swung the door shut, shutting Beau out.

"What ya do that for?" Mark asked.

"I want you to make love to me." Lexi said blushing a little.

Marks eyes about popped out of his head, he couldn't believe she said that.

"Uhh isn't your back still sore?" Mark asked.

"My back is fine." Lexi said and started to kiss his neck

Lexi had her legs wrapped around him and pressed her self to his now bulging erection.

"Lexi I don't think this is a good idea." Mark said. He didn't want to hurt her.

Lexi moved her lips to his ear.

"Please Mark?" She whispered her warm breath sending vibrations through his spine.

Mark closed his eyes and prayed for some control.